Comparative evaluation of cervical pulpotomy and pulpectomy for primary molars with irreversible pulpitis: a multicentre randomised controlled trial

PURPOSE

The objective of this multicentre randomised controlled trial was to compare the clinical/radiographic outcomes of cervical pulpotomy using calcium-enriched mixture cement (PCEM) and pulpectomy using Metapex (PM) in primary molars with irreversible pulpitis (IP).

METHODS

A total of 134 primary molars from 94 children were randomly assigned to two intervention groups: the PCEM group (n = 74) and the PM group (n = 60). Baseline characteristics including age/gender/molar type/tooth type/jaw were recorded. The primary outcome measures were clinical/radiographic success rates assessed at the first and second follow-up appointments. Secondary outcomes included reasons for clinical/radiographic failures. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the impact of various factors on the success rates.

RESULTS

The mean age of the participants in both groups was similar (PCEM group: 5.4 years, PM group: 5.5 years). Gender distribution, molar type, tooth type, jaw, and number of practitioners were comparable between the groups. The clinical success rate at the first follow-up was 98.6% in the PCEM group and 96.4% in the PM group. At the second follow-up, the clinical success rate was 97.1% in the PCEM group and 91.1% in the PM group. The radiographic success rates at the first and second follow-up were 98.6% and 96.4% in the PCEM group and 96.4% and 91.1% in the PM group, respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis did not reveal any significant association between the success rates and age/gender/molar type/jaw, or treatment groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In primary molars with IP, both simple/conservative cervical pulpotomy using calcium-enriched mixture cement and pulpectomy using Metapex demonstrated high clinical/radiographic success rates. No significant differences were observed between the two treatment modalities. These findings suggest that both techniques can be considered effective treatment options for managing primary molars with IP.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

Trial registration number: IRCT20201226049838N1, retrospectively registered on 12 January 2021.

Effects of CEM cement and emdogain on proliferation and differentiation of human stem cells from the apical papilla: a comparative in vitro study

OBJECTIVES

This study compared the effects of calcium-enriched mixture (CEM) cement, Emdogain (EMD), and their combination (CEM/Emdogain) on the differentiation and proliferation of stem cells from the apical papilla (SCAPs).

METHODS

In this in vitro, experimental study, SCAPs were isolated from two sound immature impacted third molars and cultured. After ensuring their stemness by detecting cell surface markers they were exposed to CEM cement, Emdogain, and CEM cement coated with Emdogain for 24 and 72 h. The control cells did not undergo any intervention. Cell viability [by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay], expression of odontogenic differentiation genes [by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR)], and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity (by ALP staining kit) were evaluated. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA, t-test, and Mann-Whitney test (α = 0.05).

RESULTS

Cell viability in the CEM cement and CEM/Emdogain groups decreased compared with the control group at 72 h (P < 0.05). Expression of dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP), dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1), bone sialoprotein (BSP) genes, and ALP activity significantly increased in all three experimental groups compared with the control group at both 24 and 72 h. This increase was substantially more significant in CEM/Emdogain group (P > 0.05). The number of mineralized nodules significantly increased in all groups at 72 h, with a higher rate in the CEM/Emdogain group.

CONCLUSION

All biomaterials increased the differentiation of SCAPs, expression of odontogenic differentiation genes, and ALP activity, but CEM/Emdogain was considerably more effective for this purpose.

Management of Pink Spot due to Class IV Invasive Cervical Root Resorption using Vital Pulp Therapy: A Case Report

A 30-year-old male patient with the chief complaint of pink spot discoloration of the tooth crown in his upper left central incisor was referred for endodontic and esthetic management. After thorough clinical and radiographic examinations, the final diagnosis was class IV invasive cervical resorption (ICR) which was conservatively treated with an orthograde approach; i.e. vital pulp therapy with calcium-enriched mixture cement (VPT/CEM). The use of VPT/CEM was successful to restore esthetics and stop the ICR; confirmed clinically, radiographically, and tomographically at one-year recall. The above-mentioned minimally invasive approach reported in the current case study may be considered a practical treatment modality for ICR, specifically in anterior teeth.

Push-out bond strength of two calcium silicate-based cements used for repair of artificial furcal perforation following different power outputs of Nd:YAG laser

Proper bond strength of endodontic materials is an essential factor in the final success of root canal treatments, including perforation repairs. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of two power outputs of Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm) on push-out bond strength (PBS) of ProRoot mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and calcium-enriched mixture cement (CEM Cement) in the repair of artificial furcal perforations. This ex vivo study enrolled 66 extracted human molars. After preparing the access cavity, perforations were created on the floor of the pulp chamber with a diameter of 1.4 mm. The teeth were randomly distributed into the following six groups according to the repair material (MTA and CEM) and power output of laser irradiation (1 W and 1.5 W); A: MTA (case), B: CEM (case), C: Nd:YAG (1 W)/MTA, D: Nd:YAG (1 W)/CEM, E: Nd:YAG (1.5 W)/MTA, and F: Nd:YAG (1.5 W)/CEM. Then, a universal testing machine was utilized to assess the PBS. Data analysis was performed using ANOVA and T tests. Significant level was considered at P < 0.05. The highest mean ± SD of PBS was noted in Group Nd:YAG (1 W)/MTA (58.92 ± 36.13), followed by Nd:YAG (1.5 W)/MTA > Nd:YAG (1.5 W)/CEM > Nd:YAG (1 W)/CEM > MTA > and CEM. A significant difference was noted between laser and non-laser applications (P < 0.05). However, the increase of power output from 1 to 1.5 W had no significant influence on PBS (P > 0.05). The PBS of MTA groups was always significantly greater than that of CEM groups (P < 0.05). Although Nd:YAG laser irradiation positively influenced on PBS values in both material studied, increasing power output was not effective.

Evaluation of tooth discoloration after treatment with mineral trioxide aggregate, calcium-enriched mixture, and Biodentine® in the presence and absence of blood

BACKGROUND

Calcium silicate cements in treatments such as revascularization and apexogenesis are adjacent to blood and pulp tissues. This study evaluated tooth discoloration after treatment with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), calcium-enriched mixture (CEM) cement, and Biodentine^® in the presence and absence of blood using spectrophotometric analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this experimental study, A total of 68 extracted permanent anterior teeth were prepared and randomly divided into two groups as follows: the sponge embedded in access cavities was saturated with fresh blood or normal saline using insulin syringe, and then each group was subdivided into the following three cement subgroups: MTA-Angelus^®, CEM cement, and Biodentine; these materials with a thickness of 3 mm were placed in the access cavity on the sponge. In the control group, the sponges were saturated in saline and blood in the absence of cements. Discoloration rate was measured by spectrophotometer within the following four intervals: after preparing the cavity and 1 day, 1 month, and 6 months after material placement. ANOVA and Tukey's test were used to assess the effect of blood and materials and time on discoloration. (P < 0.05).

RESULTS

In general, discoloration rate is significantly higher in blood group than saline group (P < 0.05) and an increase in Δ E is observed over time for the materials in all groups. In this study, discoloration rate in the presence and absence of blood in Biodentine group was lower, and this difference was statistically significant compared to that of MTA group (P < 0.05) but not significant compared to that of the CEM group.

CONCLUSION

This study indicated that Biodentine induces the lowest tooth discoloration in the presence and absence of blood, and its discoloration rate is significantly lower than that of MTA. Therefore, it can be suggested that Biodentine can be used more confidently for endodontic treatments with coronal blood contamination such as regeneration and cervical perforation repair in esthetic zone of teeth.

Bioactivity of endodontic biomaterials on dental pulp stem cells through dentin

Objectives

This study investigated the indirect effect of calcium-enriched mixture (CEM) cement and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), as 2 calcium silicate-based hydraulic cements, on human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) through different dentin thicknesses.

Materials and Methods

Two-chamber setups were designed to simulate indirect pulp capping (IPC). Human molars were sectioned to obtain 0.1-, 0.3-, and 0.5-mm-thick dentin discs, which were placed between the 2 chambers to simulate an IPC procedure. Then, MTA and CEM were applied on one side of the discs, while hDPSCs were cultured on the other side. After 2 weeks of incubation, the cells were removed, and cell proliferation, morphology, and attachment to the discs were evaluated under scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDXA) spectroscopy was performed for elemental analysis. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was assessed quantitatively. The data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests.

Results

SEM micrographs revealed elongated cells, collagen fibers, and calcified nucleations in all samples. EDXA verified that the calcified nucleations consisted of calcium phosphate. The largest calcifications were seen in the 0.1-mm-thick dentin subgroups. There was no significant difference in ALP activity across the CEM subgroups; however, ALP activity was significantly lower in the 0.1-mm-thick dentin subgroup than in the other MTA subgroups (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The employed capping biomaterials exerted biological activity on hDPSCs, as shown by cell proliferation, morphology, and attachment and calcific precipitations, through 0.1- to 0.5-mm-thick layers of dentin. In IPC, the bioactivity of these endodontic biomaterials is probably beneficial.

Vital Pulp Therapy as a Conservative Approach for Management of Invasive Cervical Root Resorption: A Case Series

INTRODUCTION

Clear treatment guidelines with predictable outcomes for invasive cervical root resorption (ICRR) do not exist. Recent studies show that an internal approach for the excavation and repair of resorptive lacunae using bioactive materials might be preferred over external surgical approaches in cases with extensive ICRR. The procedure appears to interrupt and stop the resorptive process and preserves the periodontium. The aim of this case series was to report on the clinical and radiographic outcomes in cases with ICRR treated with vital pulp therapy techniques using calcium-enriched mixture cement.

METHODS

Teeth with the diagnosis of ICRR and normal pulpal and periodontal status were included. After rubber dam isolation and the removal of existing restorations, the resorptive lacunae were accessed internally, and the contents were partially or fully removed. A vital pulp therapy technique was chosen based on the accessibility of the resorptive lacunae during excavation. Teeth were then restored and followed up.

RESULTS

Six teeth with ICRR (Heithersay class 2, 3, or 4) were selected. One tooth was treated with pulp capping, 1 with partial pulpotomy, 2 with full pulpotomy, and 2 with partial pulpectomy. The average follow-up time was 19.6 months. After treatment, all teeth remained functional and asymptomatic with a normal periodontium. No progression of the resorption or development of new resorption was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Internal excavation of the contents of resorptive lacunae in combination with vital pulp therapy with calcium-enriched mixture cement could be a reliable approach for the treatment of ICRR.

Push-out bond strength of calcium-silicate cements following Er:YAG and diode laser irradiation of root dentin

This study aimed to compare the effects of diode and Er:YAG laser irradiation of root dentin on push-out bond strength of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and calcium-enriched mixture (CEM) cements. An in vitro experimental study was conducted on 90 dentin discs, cut out of freshly extracted human teeth. The discs were instrumented to obtain 1.3-mm lumen diameter. Then, they were randomly divided into six groups (n = 15). Groups 1 and 4 subjected to diode laser (Wiser, Doctor Smile, Italy) (980 nm, 1 W, continuous mode) for 10 s and filled with MTA and CEM cements. Groups 2 and 5 subjected to Er:YAG laser (Deka, Italy) (2940 nm, 1 W, 10 Hz, 230 μs) for 10 s and filled with MTA and CEM cements. Groups 3 and 6 (control groups) were filled with MTA and CEM cements without laser irradiation. After 7 days, push-out bond strength test was performed using a universal testing machine in order to evaluate the adhesion of the biomaterials to dentin. The samples were evaluated under a light microscope at × 40 magnification to determine the mode of fracture. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA. The highest push-out bond strength (8.76 ± 3.62 MPa) was noted in group 1 (diode/MTA), which was significantly higher than the other groups (P < 0.001). The lowest bond strength (2.61 ± 0.81) was noted in group 6 (control/CEM). Diode laser significantly increased the bond strength of both cements (P < 0.05), but Er:YAG laser irradiation only increased the bond strength of CEM and had no significant effect on MTA (P = 0.603). The bond strength of MTA control group was higher than that of CEM control group (P = 0.001). Push-out bond strength of endodontic cements can be affected by dentin conditioning with diode 980 nm and Er:YAG laser. Nine hundred eighty-nanometer diode laser irradiation is recommended to increase the bond strength of endodontic cements particularly the CEM cement to dentin.

Delayed miniature pulpotomy in a symptomatic mature molar

This case report describes miniature pulpotomy (MP) with calcium-enriched mixture (CEM) cement, 1 week after carious pulpal exposure of a symptomatic mature molar. A 24-year-old woman was referred with complaining of severe lingering pain on the second upper left molar; a dental history revealed that the tooth had been prepared 1 week ago, but on pulp exposure, her dentist just dressed the cavity. After anesthesia/isolation in the same session, the temporary restoration was removed, the previously pulpal exposure was observed, and MP was carried out. Hemorrhage was effectively controlled using 5.25% NaOCl, the clot free pulpal wound was completely covered employing CEM cement, and the cavity was permanently restored by resin composite. The patient's pain gradually relieved within 24 h. The tooth was functional and able to respond to vitality tests in regular clinical follow-ups. At 15-month follow-up, a dentinal bridge was observed under the capping biomaterial, radiographically; moreover, no calcification or apical pathosis was detected. MP with CEM cement might be a treatment option for the management of exposed dental pulp with a clinical diagnosis of irreversible pulpitis, although further trials with larger sample size and longer follow-ups are recommended.

Fracture resistance of immature teeth filled with mineral trioxide aggregate or calcium-enriched mixture cement: An ex vivo study

BACKGROUND

The ability of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) to strengthen the tooth structure has been studied with contradictory results, and there is a lack of data in the case of Calcium-enriched mixture (CEM) cement as a novel endodontic biomaterial. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the reinforcing effect of MTA and CEM cement on simulated immature teeth.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This ex vivo study was carried out on a total of 46 human maxillary incisors. Access cavities were prepared. Five teeth were randomly selected as negative control. The root length of the remaining teeth was standardized to 9 mm. Rotary files and peeso reamers were used to enlarge the canals. The prepared specimens were randomly assigned into three experimental (n = 12) and a positive control (n = 5) groups. In groups 1 and 2, the canals were filled with MTA or CEM cement, respectively. In group 3, a 5-mm MTA plug was placed, and the remainder of the canal was filled with composite resin. The canals of the positive control were kept unfilled. After 6 months, the teeth were tested for fracture strength in a universal testing machine. The groups were compared using Univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA).

RESULTS

There were significant differences between fracture strength of experimental groups with that of both control groups (P<0.05). However, the differences among the three experimental groups were not statistically significant (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

After 6 months, MTA and CEM cement exhibit distinct reinforcing effect on immature teeth.